Investigations into the Hatfield crash found the cause was a cracked rail.

The discovery of the crack led Railtrack to embark on a huge programme of rail checks and replacement.

Speed limits were imposed across the network to allow work to be carried out causing all timetables to be changed.

In 2001 the government refused to continue to help Railtrack with its spiralling repair bill and, on the order of then Transport Secretary Stephen Byers, Railtrack went into administration.

The High Court allowed Railtrack to be taken out of administration in 2002 so that Network Rail could take over.

In September 2005 Network Rail was found guilty of breaching health and safety legislation over the crash. It was fined £3.5m and maintenance firm Balfour Beatty £10m. There were both ordered to pay £300,000 in costs.